“Losing Weight is not Always Great”
Raising awareness of malnutrition and dehydration
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Malnutrition does exist in the UK
Unplanned weight loss? Looking a bit thin?
Have you ever met anyone who has:
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Lost half a stone recently without trying to?
Experienced unintentional weight loss?
Not eaten properly for a couple of weeks?
Replaced their clothes with smaller ones?
Made another hole in their belt or watch strap?
Taken their wedding ring off because it was loose?
Dentures that no longer fit properly?
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Facts about malnutrition
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93% of adults suffering from malnutrition live at home
3 million adults in the community are affected
22% of over 60’s skip meals
More likely to affect older women than older men
37% of adults admitted to care homes suffer from malnutrition
47% of adults admitted to nursing homes suffer from malnutrition
1 in 3 adults admitted to hospital suffer from acute malnutrition
Every 10 minutes an adult dies with malnourishment in hospital
The risk increases with age and dementia
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Some of the reasons for malnourishment
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Caring for someone else
Changes in taste and smell
Losing someone close to you
Feeling lonely or depressed
Loss of appetite
Some illnesses can cause weight loss
Some medications affect appetite and absorption
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Dentures that no longer fit properly
Financial difficulties
Being less mobile than you used too
Struggling to cook or shop
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Why losing weight is not always great
Unintentional weight loss can result in:
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2.1 times more GP visits
3 times more likely to be admitted to hospital
Increased likelihood of picking up infections
Increased risk of chest infections
Injuries taking longer to heal
Increased likelihood of feeling more tired
Depression
Confusion and subsequent risk of falls & fractures
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Some ways to combat malnutrition…
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Eat what you fancy
Enjoy your food
Eat breakfast
Keep easy to prepare foods in the house
Eat little and often
Try to avoid “low fat” products
Add extra calories to your meals
Eat cream, cheese and full fat milk
Eat in company when you can
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Facts about dehydration
Water is a basic nutrient and critical to human life,
drinking more water will bring many health benefits
Did you know:
• A third of people over 55 only drink one or two glasses of water per
day
• In the same age group one in ten drink just one glass per day!
The need to drink more increases:
• In hotter weather or in warm rooms
• With increased physical activity
• With diarrhoea or vomiting
• During a period of fasting
• If taking water tablets or laxatives
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Common Myth
If you have a bladder problem, restricting your water intake will
NOT work, it will probably make it worse!
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Drinking plenty of water can improve your
health. It can:
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Reduce confusion and subsequent risk of falls & fractures
Reduce headaches
Ease constipation
Reduce risks of urinary tract infections
Reduce bladder irritation caused by fizzy drinks, caffeine and
alcohol
Improve blood pressure
Improve skin suppleness
Protect your teeth and gums
Help you sleep better
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by:
Some of the ways to combat dehydration
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Drink more than you do now!
Drink even if you do not feel thirsty
Aim for 6-8 glasses of fluid during the day (excluding alcohol)
Water is best but other liquids count too
Eat fluid rich foods (soup, fruit, vegetables, jelly)
Have a full glass of water when taking your tablets
Keep a jug of water in the fridge or next to you if your mobility is
poor
• Check your urine when you go to the loo (clear and odourless is
best!)
Where to get help, support and advice
• GP’s will offer a check up and can refer onto a dietitian if required
• Dorset’s Adult Access Team 01305 221000
• Local dietetic departments can offer advice
Information sources
Build Yourself Up (guide to help you put on weight)
Available from: www.dorsetforyou.com/407934
or Catering Services 01305 225934
Eating Opportunities Directory (details about lunch clubs, meals
on wheels and shopping services)
Available from: www.dorsetforyou.com/eatingopportunities
or Dorset POPP 01305 224841
Dorset's Nutritional Care Strategy for Adults supported by: